ALLERGIES

Boxers are very prone to all types of allergies that may be caused from a particular compound or ingredient in food but may also be caused from something in the environment. Some Boxers have air-borne allergies that may be seasonal in nature, especially if they are allergic to various types of molds, pollens or spores in the air. Other common sources of allergies are grains in the diet, especially corn or wheat products, or food that contains beet pulp.

Allergies are noted by excessive scratching, licking and rubbing of the skin, often to the point of causing lesions and open sores on the skin. This then opens the possibility of secondary bacterial infections. Some Boxers will also rub their heads on the ground or chew at their feet continually. Steroids can be used to temporarily relieve the itching, but then the cause must be found. Antihistamines can also be used for seasonal allergies. Many highly allergic Boxers do best on a homemade diet or a BARF diet where no additives or grains are included in the diet.

CANCERS

Unfortunately the Boxer breed is highly prone to various types of cancers, more specifically to skin cancers. The all white Boxers and Boxers with lots of flash or white markings need to be carefully protected from over-exposure to the sun to prevent melanomas and other forms of skin cancers. Skin cancer is most likely to be a malignant cancer, quickly spreading to the internal organs and posing life threatening health risks.

Thankfully the treatment options for skin cancer and other types of cancerous tumors in dogs have become more effective in the last decade. Chemotherapy, radiation treatment, immunotherapy and even holistic medicines are now used in the treatment of cancer. Surgical removal is still considered the most effective method of minimizing the risk of re-occurrence.

Once a Boxer has had cancer they will need to be carefully monitored for any signs of other tumors or irregular cell growths. The chances of developing cancer again are high for affected dogs, but early treatment of the original tumor is seen as the key to keeping cancer in remission.